I am looking for an external return pump for my new 120. The most important factor is dependability. I am looking for something around 1000 gph (800-1200 gph) that is external. I would also like to keep the cost under $150. I am leaning towards a Gen-X PCX-40 because I have heard they are very dependable. However, I have also heard that they are very loud. Does anyone else have any reccomendations?
Best External Return Pump?
- Thread starter c_stowers
- Start date
waynesworld
Premium Member
How far up is it going?
DMBillies
Active member
I have a Gen-X PCX-40 on my 90 for my closed loop. I don't have a lot of experience with external pumps (in fact I would say none), but it did seem a bit loud at first (it's in a cabinet next to my tank). I did two things that I think cut down on the noise a lot. First, I cut up a beer coozy and made a little stand with pieces of it tucked between any parts that could move to cut down on the vibrations. Second, I lined the inside of the cabinet with a bed pad (the egg crate looking stuff) to help absorb the noise generated by it. These two things made a huge difference. I have two big computer fans in my hood that run with the lights, and with the modifications I made around the pump, they definitely drown out the sound of it during the day. You're welcome to come have a look/listen if you like.
As far as dependability, I've had it for only about 9 months probably, but it's been running pretty much non-stop for that long (cleaned once, but probably didn't need it). I never had a problem with it starting back up or anything like that. When I was looking into it, Fishboy said he had a few and they have all lasted a long time/been dependable. Of course, he doesn't have to worry about noise as much as people putting them in their living room.
As far as dependability, I've had it for only about 9 months probably, but it's been running pretty much non-stop for that long (cleaned once, but probably didn't need it). I never had a problem with it starting back up or anything like that. When I was looking into it, Fishboy said he had a few and they have all lasted a long time/been dependable. Of course, he doesn't have to worry about noise as much as people putting them in their living room.
Angela Short
New member
I know its a little more but if you luck up and get a used one you would love the Sequence Dart line. Not sure the lower GPH pump but the dart is very, very quiet. Can't even hardley hear it running.
crumbletop
New member
I've heard good things about pan world pumps. They are noisy but there is a simple mod that can make them run pretty silent. I've also heard good things about the blueline HD series of pumps.
Here is a link to the ultra quiet pan world mod:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=828812
Here is a link to the ultra quiet pan world mod:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=828812
My first choice and the one I chose for my 120 is an Iwaki rlxt40, Iwaki pumps are very reliable and built like tanks to last a long time but they aren't cheap. My second choice would be a Pan World/Blueline in the same class and my third choice would be a GenXpcx40. I currently run the Iwaki and a Genxpcx 40 on my 120 and they are both very good pumps. The 55 pumps that Gary mentioned are pressure rated and are a bit louder. IMO the others are not very loud (as external pumps go) with the Pan World being the quietest from what I hear. I have never run one of those but they have a good rep and were designed by a former Iwaki engineer FWIW. The main noise produced by these pumps is from vibration transmitted to the stand/platform it is on and the noise from the cooling fan.
Chris
Chris
danieljames
New member
I've been very happy with the iwaki's i've owned. You can get 40's in the forums routinely for reasonable. I had a 40 and the noise was not annoying to me in a 15x16 bedroom. Consider if the pump you want is self priming though. It can be a royal pita if it's not. I have some great dampening material here if you need some. It works amazingly well.
Pickupman66
New member
My genx pcx 40 has been trouble free for me. yes, you can surely hear it runing. 90% of that noise is caused by the fan in hte back. I have heard and seen mods to them taking that fan off and replacing it with a small computer style fan. supposedly makes it virtually silent. Mine sits beind my tank and truthfully in not a bother in the living room.
